Jake Ellenberger: I Don’t Think Carlos Condit Wants a Rematch

He's only days out from an exciting decision win over Diego Sancez, but Jake Ellenberger's crusade for a rematch against current UFC interim welterweight champion Carlos Condit is continuing.

Condit narrowly escaped with a split decision in their first meeting, and Ellenberger is determined for a second crack at the former WEC title holder. Ellenberger says that he doesn't blame Condit and his camp for waiting for a unification bout with Georges St. Pierre, but he also wants them to keep in mind that GSP's recovery could take longer than expected:

“I think the fans do want it, but at the same time, I don’t know if that’s what the UFC wants or not,” Ellenberger told the Sherdog Radio Network’s “Beatdown” show. “I really don’t. If it was up to me, then yeah, we’d probably be fighting in May or June, but I don’t know if that’s what the UFC wants. I think they kind of still put it in Condit’s hands, but I know Carlos. I know his manager, and I know they don’t want that fight. But again, if I put myself in their shoes, I don’t blame them.”

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“It’s not even necessarily a personal thing,” he said. ”Carlos right now has the belt, and that’s where I want to be. He’s a fantastic fighter and he’s in the position he’s in for a reason. I was hoping I could get another rematch with Condit, but whether he fights again is going to be up to him. … I wouldn’t blame him if he wants to wait. That’s just the reality of it, but in my opinion, I sure hope I get that fight.”

St. Pierre claims that his recovery is well ahead of schedule and he could return to action before his original target date of November. Still, setbacks occur often and without notice. Even though he owns a win over him, Ellenberger is a dangerous fight for Condit. The opening round of their first clash showed that.

If I were Condit, I would sit on the sidelines and wait for GSP, but if a setback occurs and his return is pushed back until late 2012/early 2013, I would then consider a rematch with Ellenberger to prevent ring rust.